DOWNTOWN
This year’s version of Heritage Vancouver’s ongoing Secrets of the Penthouse series includes first-hand stories from retired Vancouver Police Department officer Grant McDonald, who was involved in several raids on the nightclub during the 1960s and ‘70s.
But even before then, when the Penthouse Night Club first opened in the late 1940s, spotters would stand on the roof to keep an eye out for cops preparing for one of the nightly raids frequent during that era.
Because the club couldn’t get a liquor licence, customers would bring their own booze, which the VPD took great offence to. Not surprisingly, tables from those early days had secret compartments in which to stash liquor bottles.
As it turns out, McDonald even worked undercover at the club to infiltrate crime syndicates, which if you think about it is pretty cool.
McDonald will share some of his stories during backstage tours of the nightclub Jan. 16 at 6:15 and 7:15, followed by an Italian buffet served up with Mama Filippone’s original spaghetti and meatball recipe. Also on hand will be Penthouse owner Danny Filippone and author and popular Courier contributor Aaron Chapman. For ticket information, visit forbiddenvancouver.ca.
WEST END
Open auditions for the CBC series Dragon’s Den take place Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Century Plaza Hotel, 1015 Burrard St.
The cross-country, audition tour welcomes participants of all ages, with no prior TV experience required. Aspiring entrepreneurs should be prepared to pitch their concept to Dragon’s Den producers in five minutes or less. If they can demonstrate to the producers they have what it takes to land financial backing for their business venture, they could be invited back to brave the Dragons. For more information, visit cbc.ca/dragonsden/auditions.
GRANDVIEW-WOODLAND
The Vancouver Poetry Slam continues each Monday of every month at Cafe Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Dr.
And save the date for the next Youth Poetry Slam, which takes place Jan. 27. This will be the second-to-last chance for young poets to qualify for the youth slam playoffs taking place in March. The youth slam is open to poets aged 13 to 22 and will include an open mic, the poetry slam and feature poet Toronto-based Lishai Peel.
KITS POINT
Vancouver New Music, in partnership with the Vancouver Academy of Music, is presenting a free interactive and educational music program open to children eight to 12 years.
The four-hour workshop, designed as an introduction to sound improvisation techniques, includes a series of fun confidence-building games and sonic awareness exercises, all conducted in a group setting. Participants are encouraged to freely produce sound using traditional musical instruments, as well as their voice and body, and noise-making toys attendees are invited to bring to the session.
These auditory approaches are meant to provide a solid base in sonic communication and musical language.
Sonic Playground takes place Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. at the centre, 1270 Chestnut St., with Vancouver-based musicians and educators Justin Dervies and Robyn Jacob of Devised by Sound Out Loud.
